“So I think there is an little bit of extra incentive and motivation for these players, there is no question of that.”

Who’ll drop out?

The most obvious contender to make way for Ntcham is Ryan Christie. The attacking midfielder has been in excellent form this season but is the most natural equivalent to the Frenchman, if indeed he is selected by Lennon.

Christie has netted eight goals so far this season, which is a brilliant record, but recent his goals have dried up a bit. He has scored in his last eight matches for club and country.

He last found the net for the Hoops during the disastrous 4-3 defeat to Cluj at Celtic Park.

There’s an argument to say that Callum McGregor needs a rest too, although Ntcham is less dynamic and explosive when deployed in a deeper role.

Scott Brown appears to be a lock to play, given he provides leadership and a defensive robustness not seen elsewhere in the squad.

However it shakes out, if Ntcham plays, it seems that an integral player so far this season will be benched.